Chandler Massey on DAYS Exit: 'I'm Actually Glad Things Went Down The Way They Did'

Two-time Emmy winner Chandler Massey filmed his final scenes as Will Horton in DAYS OF OUR LIVES on Friday, August 23. Massey was summoned at the end of his work day to the office of co-executive producer Greg Meng, and told the show had found a new actor to play the role. Friday was his last day at DAYS. According to TV Guide Magazine, Massey was "devastated and in tears" to be exiting the show four months earlier than expected.

"I'm actually glad things went down the way they did," Massey told TV Guide. "I appreciate the producers for letting me out of my deal early because I can now pursue other opportunities I couldn't under contract."

Massey intends to return to his studies at UCLA and is open to other acting gigs. Perhaps he will turn up on pal Charlie Sheen's FX series ANGER MANAGEMENT. Sheen, with whom Massey shares a publicist, tweeted: "hey 'Days of our Lives' producers – newsflash you two dollar pig phukkers: now your show REALLY sux!! you fired Chandler Massey?? Are you trying to make Ashley Butcher look talented? NOW his career begins! he’s a winner. period the end. his TWO EMMYS speak to that fact loud and clear."

After winning his second Emmy in June, Massey said he planned to leave the show at the end of his four-year contract which ended in December.

Massey's replacement will begin work when DAYS returns from hiatus in September. The show has not yet announced the new actor's name.

14 comments:

Wait, so who is Ashley Butcher? Google search brings non-acting people. I'm confused. Poor Chandler - perhaps announcing his plans to leave at the Emmy's wasn't such a smart move. Doesn't look like Days is such a big loving family afterall.

Hope the storyline between Sonny and Will doesn't suffer, that is one of Days' best storylines, and two of its best characters, it drew a lot of younger people into the story. Meng really should have let Chandler finish his contract out, or better, should have tried to keep him. Let's hope Freddie stays with his character.

I read that Chandler was willing to leave earlier if the show was able to find a replacement for him as he wanted the Will and Sonny storyline to continue. However I think he was surprised that it happened so quickly and was unprepared on that Friday to be told he could leave that day without any notice or time to say goodbye to his fellow castmates. But instead of getting angry and behaving childish (as Charlie Sheen did) Chandler behaved in a mature and professional manner by taking the high road and not complaining about it. He fulfilled his commitment to the Days fan events that were held that weekend in Chicago and Atlanta and made sure that the fans got what they were expecting even though he may not have felt like being "the life of the party" and from what I read on Twitter the fans that attended the events had nothing but praise and adoration for Chandler and the other three cast members who attended. Chandler is now free to pursue other career opportunities and also fulfilled his dream of finishing college which he had to postpone four years ago when he got the gig on Days. I wish him all the success in the world and I hope he never forgets how loved he is by his fans.

I am not sure who they have picked to replace Chandler to play Will to Freddie Smith's Sonny. I just hope the chemistry between Freddie and the new actor will be as good as it was with Chandler. Because CM and FS as WilSon were "magic."

1. Chandler Massey made a HUGE mistake by telling the reporters at the Emmy's that he was leaving DAYS before he told his bosses on the show. No doubt he is young and inexperienced on these matters . He will learn in the future. I'm sure he meant no harm bt making the exit announcement.2. Days management have a right to recast the part of "Will". They own right to the character. After all, they created the character.3. Days management should have acted in a professional manner and given Chandler notice of when his last day would be - that way he would have time to say goodbye to the cast and crew. Instead management showed total disrespect to Chandler - perhaps payback for Chandler's announcement at the Emmy's. They should have risen above petty "payback!4. Chandler is an incredible actor. He will go far and have much success. I for one which him all the best in life. He was phenomenal as "Will" and his two Emmys are well deserved. Us fans will ALWAYS miss him!5. Let's give the new "Will" a chance to succeed, that way the beautiful, sweet S Sonny and Will story line continues. No doubt the new Will , will have big shoes to fill!6. I guess 1-6 sums up the whole Will-Sunny , Chandler Massey dilemma.

I strongly believe DAYS not only showed tremendous disrespect for Chandler Massey but also the fans of this storyline.Yes we can all be fired and replaced but in this instance Chandler should be allowed to come back, since his firing was vindictive and nasty,and bring his character to a well deserved conclusion that does not leave a bitter taste in the minds of the DAYS fanbase I recommend a wedding and a one way ticket out of Salem for Will and Sonny.Bring Will back!!

I have said it before, Chandler and Freddie put more than 100% in creating this storyline. Its success was/is the result of the chemistry between these two. Directors know that this is not replicable, no matter who is chosen to play the part of Will. Drama, tension, intensity of acting make all the difference when two people are on screen. Splitting a winning team is a big mistake and DOOL should be thinking of how to make a course correction at this point. They should be working on how to bring the WILSON team back to life for 2014 with the original CM, somehow.

I wish Chandler the world of good things. It seems the DOOL doesn't understand how really good he is in the roll of Will. Yes, recasting can be done, but I feel sorry for the actor chosen. It will take a long,long time for fans to acept this change. It could surely have come to a better conclusion and with a fresh story line that would leave the door open for a return of this two time emmy winner and Massey is real winner in all of this nonsense. I am pleased that he will now complete his degree program. That is even more important that being a soap star. He will certainly have a great future will all his talent and ability.

Without a doubt bring back Chandler Massey while you can and finish out the Wilson storyline. Just look at the ratings! Chandler and Freddie are winners in the world of soaps in every respect.As a couple or individually.In"I Love Lucy" if anyone remembers, I doubt if a replacement for Lucy or Ricky would have worked for one minute.Also DAYS is real thin on storylines; fans know they are in trouble.

I have never liked Chandler Massey in the role of Will. He smiles all the time and at inappropriate times. It would be uncomfortable to be in a conversation with him as he smiles while discussing painful situations.